NAACP Statement on Navy Yard Tragedy

September 17, 2013

(Washington, D.C) – The NAACP today released the following statement on Monday’s tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible tragedy,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “This kind of violence always reminds us how precious life is, especially when it happens so close to home.”

“The NAACP condemns all forms of violence, and the seeming senselessness of this attack makes it even more devastating,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “The healing process will now begin in Washington, D.C. and across the nation. In the days and months ahead, we need to determine how to avoid tragedies like this in the future.”

“This tragedy is extremely devastating and personal, considering DC residents are heavily employed as civilians within the federal government and any of the victims could have been friends, relatives and members of the NAACP DC Branch family,” stated NAACP DC Branch President Akosua Tyus.

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer” issue areas here.